Cranks but no start

Tiny
LOWLO
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 109,000 MILES
It stalled out while I was driving and now it will not start at all. It cranks but it will not turn over.
Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 1:30 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,879 POSTS
"Crank" and "turn over" are the same thing. I am guessing it does, but it does not start or run. The first step is to read and record the diagnostic fault codes. Chrysler makes that real easy to do yourself. Cycle the ignition switch from "start" to "run" three times within five seconds without cranking the engine, leave it in "run", then watch the code numbers show up in the odometer display.
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 1:56 AM
Tiny
LOWLO
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  • 4 POSTS
I just did that and it reads "done".
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 6:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,772 POSTS
We need to determine if there is spark and fuel to the engine. One is most likely missing. See if the engine will start for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then there is a fuel related issue. If it still doesn't at least try to start, then we will need to check for spark. Do this and let me know what you find.
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
LOWLO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It started with starting fluid for a couple seconds. And I can hear the fuel pump turn on. So do you think its the fuel filter?
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 10:09 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,879 POSTS
There's two ways to have no fault codes. One is if the fuel pump quit. It is very rare for that to happen to a Chrysler pump while driving. They usually fail to start up when starting the engine, but once running, they almost always keep on running. GM pumps commonly fail while running.

The fuel pump and fuel pressure are not monitored so there won't be any codes set related to loss of fuel pressure.

The second concern is a failed crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor will cause a loss of spark, injector pulses, and fuel pump or pump relay. Codes for those sensors have a hard time setting when just cranking the engine. If one failed while driving, as yours did, THAT is when it's easier for a code to set.

Part 2

I just saw your last reply. Forget about the fuel filter. Other than for diesel engines, you will never solve a running problem on a Chrysler product by replacing the filter. Also, they don't suddenly plug up and cause sudden stalling.

The next thing requires a scanner to view live data. Under the "Inputs and Outputs" menu, the cam and crank sensors are listed with a "No" or "Present" to indicate whether those signals are showing up.

To add to the confusion, on older vehicles both signals were required for the automatic shutdown, (ASD) relay to get turned on by the Engine Computer. That relay sends current to the ignition coil pack, injectors, alternator field, and fuel pump or pump relay. 2001 was right in the middle of when some engines would continue to run with one failed sensor, but once stopped, it would not restart. The clue there is the engine did not stall while driving.

With no fault codes, there really isn't much you can do without a scanner to see what the Engine Computer is seeing. A failing sensor can develop a weak signal that confuses the Engine Computer which might only fire one of the ignition coils of the three. That can make it appear spark is okay when it runs on starting fluid, but you can tell by the rough running and misfires that it should be considered as a "no spark" condition.
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
LOWLO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
There was no fuel inside the intake yesterday, seems to
Be starved of fuel, Yes I'm renting a scanner today. I'll contact u when done. Thank u so much. You've been great.
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Friday, June 24th, 2016 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,722 POSTS
Thanks we try,

Here is a guide that can help you as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let us know what happens

Best, Ken
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Saturday, June 25th, 2016 AT 8:39 PM

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